Mind-controlled helicopter aids concentration

A toy helicopter controlled by nothing but brainwaves could be available to the public just in time to hover under this year's Christmas tree.

"When you concentrate, up it goes; when you mentally relax, it comes back down again," explains Cattelotti.

Aside from its obvious entertainment value, Puzzlebox are pitching the Orbit as an educational toy that will help improve concentration and relaxation skills.

According to Cattelotti, the art of keeping mentally focused is inherently difficult to master.

"If you're learning how to ride a bike, there's a very obvious, physical indication when you improve -- you stop falling off," says the 34-year-old computer science graduate. "It's much harder to know when you're concentrating properly and, to a lesser extent, relaxing, because there is little scope for accurate, real-time feedback."

The Great News Network is meant to supplement your daily news sources - not replace it. It's role is to show that there is hope, people are making a difference, and that a lot of things are getting better.

Optimism is a great catalyst for making the world a better place. When we can see there is hope, then we'll be more compelled to make the effort to do our part.